Explore every episode of the podcast City Journal Audio

Is socialism gaining ground in America—or just getting a rebrand? In this episode, Rafael Mangual, Daniel Di Martino, and Stu Smith examine the shifting perception of socialism in U.S. politics and the growing visibility of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Long seen as a political nonstarter, socialism is finding new support among younger voters and progressive movements. What's behind this change—and what does it mean for the future of American democracy and the traditional two-party system?

Stephen Eide joins Brian Anderson to discuss "Scandinavia on the Hudson," his story from City Journal's Autumn 2025 issue.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, and Pirate Wires's Mike Solana analyze the results of New York City's mayoral election.

How can students know which colleges will give them the best educational value for their dollar? Renu Mukherjee, Neetu Arnold, and Rafael Mangual explore City Journal's newly released College Rankings—and what makes them so different from other college-assessment guides. They discuss the experiences of conservative students on campus, the importance of ideological diversity, how social pressures shape student life, and the tension between meritocracy and identity in admissions.

What did the final New York City mayoral debate reveal about the future of the race—and the city itself? Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual break down the candidates' best and worst moments, and what their performances signal for voters. They also dig into the biggest issues shaping public sentiment—from the crisis at Rikers Island and challenges in education policy to the fallout from recent ICE raids on Canal Street.

Daniel Di Martino, Tal Fortgang, and Rafael Mangual explore the generational divides in activism and what fuels people to mobilize. They share personal stories of political awakening, reflect on how social issues have shaped their worldviews, and question the coherence and direction of contemporary protest movements. It's a candid conversation about governance, resistance, and American attitudes toward power.

Why are so many young people struggling with mental health? Abigail Shrier, Rob Henderson, and Brian Anderson explore the roots of the crisis and examine the roles played by mental health professionals, shifting parenting styles, the influence of schools, and social media. Their conversation underscores the value of authoritative parenting, the importance of setting high expectations, and the need for parents to take a more active role in their children's development within a culture increasingly shaped by therapeutic narratives.

James Hankins and Allen Guelzo join Brian Anderson to discuss their new book project, "The Golden Thread: The History of the Western Tradition."

What does it mean for American media when someone like Bari Weiss is tapped to lead one of the country's legacy news outlets? Rafael Mangual, Jesse Arm, Carolyn Gorman, and Kerry Soropoulos analyze Paramount's acquisition of The Free Press and the appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The panel explores Weiss's track record of challenging orthodoxies and what her rise signals for journalism's future. They also discuss California's shifting political dynamics, spotlighting Representative Katie Porter's potential gubernatorial run.

What does a university's response to terror reveal about its values and its influence on society? On the two-year anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel, Stu Smith, Neetu Arnold, Adam Lehodey, and Rafael Mangual reflect on national and global reactions to the attacks, especially on American university campuses. Their conversation explores the ideological influence of faculty and campus activism that blurred the line between academic freedom and lawlessness. They also consider how federal funding and institutional incentives shape university behavior.

Is the Democratic Party being pulled too far left—or is moderation making a comeback? Jesse Arm, Charles Fain Lehman, and Rafael Mangual discuss the recent government shutdown and the role of the filibuster in shaping legislative outcomes. They analyze tensions in the Democratic Party between radical grassroots movements and centrist pragmatism. And they examine the rise of the "abundance bros" and what this techno-optimist movement says about our current politics.

What does Eric Adams's exit from the 2025 mayoral race mean for New York City's political future? Rob Henderson, Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual assess how the sitting mayor's withdrawal reshapes the race for City Hall and analyze the strategies of remaining contenders Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. They discuss the key issues shaping voter priorities, from crime and public safety to housing affordability. They also explore the controversy surrounding the Democratic Socialists of America's support for convicted cop killer Assata Shakur, who died on Thursday.

What are the consequences of a culture that undermines masculinity? Heather Mac Donald, Daniel Di Martino, and Rafael Mangual examine the complex forces fueling rising tensions in America. They discuss the recent attack on an ICE facility in Dallas, the cultural crisis of masculinity, the importance of fatherhood, and the need for positive male role models. Drawing on the legacy of figures like Charlie Kirk, they reflect on why it's crucial to revive values like courage, heroism, and personal responsibility.

What does the Jimmy Kimmel episode reveal about free speech in America? Ilya Shapiro, Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual unpack the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Kimmel's ABC show and explore how government influence, corporate media decisions, and public protest movements intersect in shaping the national discourse. The panel also discusses controversial figures like Woody Allen and what their continued relevance says about shifting political and cultural norms.

Howard Husock joins Stephen Eide to discuss his new book, The Projects: A New History of Public Housing.

Why are so many young men becoming radicalized online? Rob Henderson, Carolyn Gorman, and Isabella Redjai examine the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and the radicalization of his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. They explore how social media and college campuses influence political beliefs and discuss the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The conversation also addresses the normalization of violence and the blurred line between mental illness and political extremism, and what these disturbing trends might signal for the future.

What does the assassination of Charlie Kirk reveal about the state of political discourse and public safety in America today? In this powerful episode, Stu Smith, Jesse Arm, Josh Appel, and Kerry Soropoulos discuss the shocking murder of the conservative activist. Their conversation explores Kirk's legacy, the rise of online radicalization, and how progressive policies may be fueling crime in urban centers. They also examine the deepening ideological divide in American society and consider what it will take to restore civility—and security—in our country.

John Tierney, Nicole Gelinas, Park MacDougald, and Isabella Redjai pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, assassinated as he gave a talk on a college campus. Kirk was murdered the day before the nation marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We share personal memories of that day, examine the city's response, and discuss how the attacks reshaped American politics and culture. The conversation ends with a look at the day's enduring lessons and prospects for American unity.

Isabella Redjai, Kerry Soropoulos, Charles Fain Lehman, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on public transit and what it reveals about urban violence, mental health, and law enforcement. They also discuss CBS's interest in buying The Free Press and Austin's logo debate.

Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, Isabella Redjai, and Kerry Soropoulos take a look at the high-stakes dynamics of the New York City mayoral race. From candidate strategies and the influence of social media to the surprising role of game theory in political decision-making, they break down how modern campaigns are evolving. They also explore how crime policy is shaping electoral outcomes and how Democrats are responding to public safety concerns. Plus, a timely discussion of how AI is disrupting fashion marketing and what it means for traditional advertising.

Nicole Nosek joins Judge Glock to discuss housing reform legislation spearheaded by Texans for Reasonable Solutions.

The panel unpacks President Trump's latest executive orders on cash bail, National Guard enforcement, and flag burning—are they strong reforms or constitutional overreach? The panel also examines the uproar over Chinese student visas and considers how the U.S. should weigh talent acquisition against national security. Plus: Will the Travis Kelce–Taylor Swift engagement spark a marriage and baby boom?

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Judge Glock, and Renu Mukherjee discuss President Trump's threat to send National Guard troops to Chicago, Baltimore, and New York; the government's stake in Intel; and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's attempt to bench press 135 pounds. 

Charles Fain Lehman, Neetu Arnold, Rafael Mangual, and Daniel Di Martino discuss voters' increasing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and potential 2028 frontrunners, why President Trump is targeting the Smithsonian's museums, and reporting that an Eric Adams adviser gave cash to a journalist in a potato chip bag.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Carolyn Gorman, and John Ketcham discuss the federalization of the D.C. police under the Trump administration and what it signals for local governance in the nation's capital. They explore New York City's controversial proposal for involuntary commitment of individuals with substance-use problems, raising critical questions about civil liberties and public safety. The panel also examines the broader atmosphere of disorder in New York City and ponders the surprising rise in alcohol abstention among young Americans. 

Washington, D.C. is in crisis. Crime is surging, and the federal government has now stepped in. Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Renu Mukherjee, and John Ketcham explain why Congress moved to rein in local control and what it means for public safety nationwide. Plus: Trump's push to shake up college admissions, and AI-induced delusions.

Nicole Gelinas joins Brian Anderson to discuss the pattern of random acts of violence in New York City and what can be done to stop them. 

Douglas Murray joins Charles Fain Lehman to discuss last week's shooting in Manhattan, along with broader urban disorder and examples of political violence throughout history. They also look at President Trump's moves on immigration and what other western nations can learn from U.S. policy. Lastly, Murray discusses his recent win in a defamation claim against him, and how it has affected his views of press freedom.

Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, Jesse Arm, and Rob Henderson discuss Chicago's pension system and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker's presidential aspirations, the rising political divide between men and women, and the news that Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican.

Charles Fain Lehman, Carolyn Gorman, Renu Mukherjee, and Ilya Shapiro discuss the deadly shooting in Manhattan on Monday, exploring issues of mental health, gun violence, and the political implications for the upcoming mayoral election. The conversation shifts to cultural reflections on violence, community responses, and the dynamics of public safety.

The panel also delves into the backlash against American Eagle's ad campaign with Sydney Sweeney and discusses the effectiveness of advertising in shaping consumer behavior.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Tal Fortgang, and John Ketcham discuss the recent executive order from the Trump administration addressing homelessness, mental illness, and public disorder. They explore the implications of the order, the challenges of implementing it at the state and local levels, and the need for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness that includes mental health treatment. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics of redistricting and gerrymandering, highlighting the partisan posturing involved.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, and Carolyn Gorman discuss Columbia University's deal with the Trump administration, the White House's AI action plan, and the technology's usefulness in tasks at work.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, John Ketcham, and Daniel Di Martino unpack the explosive rise of democratic socialism, spotlighting the Minneapolis mayoral race and Omar Fateh's July 2025 endorsement, in which a Somali-American progressive won 43.8% of delegates. They explore how local elections are now test beds for socialist agendas, what America's urban realignment means for conservatives, and how video podcasting is reshaping discourse in a media landscape. Along the way, they dive into cultural flashpoints—from concerts to classrooms—and why the right can't afford to sit out the fight for the cities.

Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, Carolyn Gorman, and Renu Mukherjee discuss public safety in New York City, the Senate vote to strip funding from NPR, President Trump's desire to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and other big news stories from the week.

John Hirschauer joins Brian Anderson to discuss the recently passed legislation in New York that—pending Governor Kathy Hochul's signature—would legalize Medical Aid in Dying. 

How is Trump reshaping campus conservatism amid his sweeping 2025 reforms?

Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, Neetu Arnold, and Jesse Arm dig into Harvard's new conservative center—launched under pressure from Trump's higher ed funding threats, DEI eliminations, and donor outrage—and ask whether it's genuine reform or elite window dressing. They unpack the implications for academic freedom, accreditation, and the future of free speech, dissent, and intellectual diversity on campus.

As Zohran Mamdani's rise reshapes New York politics, is democratic socialism becoming the Democratic Party's new base? Host Charles Fain Lehman sits down with Reihan Salam, Judge Glock, and John Ketcham to dissect the political and cultural currents pushing the party left—from Instagram primaries and "free stuff" populism to the ideological split between AOC and the Ezra Klein crowd. Along the way, they dig into anti-institutionalism, social media as a news engine, and the strange allure of David Goggins.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is testing a new frontier in politics. In this episode, Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Rafael Mangual, and Daniel Di Martino explore Musk's proposed America Party—what it means for the right, why it's gaining traction across conservative media, and whether it's more than X posturing.

They also tackle the One Big Beautiful Bill—a trillion-dollar effort to rein in spending without touching Social Security or Medicare. Is it serious reform, or just another political stunt? Plus: July Fourth, national identity, and the conservative fight to reclaim America's founding story.

Charles Fain Lehman, Neetu Arnold, Judge Glock, and Carolyn Gorman unpack Trump's border pageantry at "Alligator Alcatraz," exposing the left's silence on illegal immigration. They break down the One Big Beautiful Bill, $1 trillion in spending cuts, tax policy in the balance, and a fight for fiscal sanity.

Join Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, John Ketcham, and Renu Mukherjee as they dissect the week's seismic Supreme Court rulings—nationwide injunctions gutted, free speech battles won, and the ideological fault lines now splitting the bench wide open.

They take on Trump's bold executive swipe at TikTok, expose the social media platforms society could ditch, and throw down their picks for Mount Rushmore—where only true American grit belongs.

What's driving the New York City mayoral race, and how might ranked-choice voting, crime, and policy backlash shape the outcome?

In this episode, City Journal's Charles Fain Lehman is joined by John Ketcham, Renu Mukherjee, and Jesse Arm to break down the latest from the NYC mayoral primary. They also weigh in on the Supreme Court's ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, what it means for free speech and state regulation, and how New Yorkers are navigating the heat and headlines.

"Exhausted ballots will be a significant factor in this election," notes Ketcham.

City Journal contributors Charles Fain Lehman, Tal Fortgang, Rafael Mangual, and Carolyn Gorman break down results from a new Manhattan Institute poll on New York City's mayoral race. They also unpack the Israel–Iran conflict and the strange state of modern wedding culture.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Renu Mukherjee, and Daniel Di Martino discuss the attack on two Minneapolis state lawmakers, the rallies against Trump, the military parade in D.C., and the New York City mayoral race.

Stephen Eide joins Brian Anderson to discuss "Marijuana and the Mentally Ill" and other issues.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Neetu Arnold, and Carolyn Gorman discuss Elon Musk and fiscal conservatism in the GOP, the anti-ICE riots spreading across the U.S., and favorite rockstars.

Charles Fain Lehman, Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual discuss the violent protests in Los Angeles, the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, and the best Broadway musicals.

Charles Fain Lehman, Daniel Di Martino, Tal Fortgang, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the revised travel ban, the Democratic Party's struggles with young men, and renting vs. owning.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Rob Henderson, and Neetu Arnold discuss the anti-Israel attack in Boulder, Elon Musk and DOGE, and branded products.

Charles Fain Lehman, Daniel Di Martino, Jesse Arm, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the Trump administration's pause in student visa appointments, New York City's mayoral race, and the best pizza in the U.S.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Jesse Arm, and Tal Fortgang discuss the murder of Israeli embassy aides Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, the DOJ's investigation into Chicago's hiring practices, and President Trump's feud with Bruce Springsteen.